An estimated 162 passengers were on board flight QZ8501, including one Briton, identified as Choi Chi Man, according to Channel News Asia. Man was believed to be travelling with his two-year-old daughter, Zoe.

A statement on AirAsia's Facebook page read: "AirAsia Indonesia regrets to inform that the National Search and Rescue Agency Republic of Indonesia (BASARNAS) today confirmed that the debris found earlier today is indeed from QZ8501, the flight that had lost contact with air traffic control on the morning of 28th."

So far, 40 bodies have been recovered from the sea, and cause of the crash still remains unknown.

Lead pilot Captain Iriyanto had requested an increase in altitude to "avoid clouds" before all communication was lost with the aircraft, according to the Indonesian transport ministry.

Messages of support for the relatives and passengers of Airasia flight QZ8501 are displayed inside terminal 2 at Changi international airport in Singapore on December 30, 2014.Getty Images